On November 7, 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly descended into chaos as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators clashed with assembly marshals following the Speaker’s directive to evict opposition members protesting a resolution on the region’s special status.
The turmoil erupted after repeated disruptions during the assembly session, culminating in heated exchanges and physical confrontations between BJP MLAs and marshals. The Speaker’s decision to adjourn proceedings did little to quell the unrest, as BJP members continued their protests against the resolution.
The contentious resolution, introduced by the ruling National Conference (NC) on November 6, called upon the central government to initiate dialogue with Jammu and Kashmir’s elected representatives to restore the region’s special status under Article 370. The resolution emphasized the importance of constitutional guarantees that previously safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Key developments during the assembly session included:
Physical Altercations: BJP MLAs engaged in a brawl with assembly marshals following the Speaker’s order to evict protesting opposition members.
Opposition Protests: Opposition members stormed the well of the House, displaying banners demanding the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, intensifying tensions.
Speaker’s Intervention: Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather ordered the eviction of protesting members in an attempt to restore order, leading to direct confrontations between BJP MLAs and marshals.
Continued Disruptions: Despite the Speaker’s adjournment of proceedings, BJP members persisted in their protests, underscoring the deep divisions over the special status resolution.
Symbolic Acts: Awami Ittehad Party leader Sheikh Khursheed displayed a banner in the assembly demanding the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, prompting immediate reactions from BJP members.
Escalation of Tensions: The tearing of the banner by BJP members led to brief physical altercations, further escalating the situation.
Adjournment and Aftermath: The Speaker adjourned the assembly for 15 minutes in an effort to calm the situation; however, protests continued unabated.
Sloganeering: The session was marked by loud slogans from both sides, with BJP members chanting “Balidaan huway jahan Mukherjee woh Kashmir hamara hai” and NC MLAs responding with “Jis Kashmir ko khoon say seencha, woh Kashmir hamara hai.”
Directive Against Recording: Amidst the uproar, the Speaker instructed that no proceedings be recorded or reported, aiming to manage the escalating situation.
Eviction of Members: The Speaker ordered the marshalling out of BJP members who had stormed the well, leading to scuffles between MLAs and marshals. Notably, female marshals were called in to handle the lone BJP woman MLA, Shagun Parihar, who had stood on a table in protest.
The assembly’s turmoil reflects the ongoing contentious debate over Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, a topic that has remained a flashpoint in Indian politics since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The recent resolution by the NC underscores the persistent demand among certain political factions for the restoration of the region’s autonomy.
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This incident highlights the deep-seated divisions within the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and the broader political landscape, as parties continue to grapple with the region’s constitutional status and its implications for governance and regional identity.
